At approximately 8:45 AM on March 4, 2106, EPA Responder, OSC Richard Haworth was dispatched to a reported 1000 gallon spill of Sodium Hypochlorite at the JCI Jones Chemical Company at 40 Railroad Avenue in Merrimack, NH. Duty Officer Gary Lipson spoke with NH DES responder David Degler who was corresponding with the Company. JCI Jones produces various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite from chlorine and sodium hydroxide brought to this facility via railcar. During transfer of 15% sodium hypochlorite to an exterior tank, a pipe had leaked and discharged the liquid product to the roof where the tank is located, to the ground, and onto the stone ballast of the adjacent railroad track. When the OSC arrived, the company's cleanup contractor, Clean Harbors, already had an on-site presence. The spilled product was neutralized with sodium sulfite and a vacuum truck was brought in to remove remaining, accessible product. The Merrimack River is also in close proximity to this location, but there is no indication at this time that the river has been impacted. Follow up actions will include determining the extent of contamination and excavation under and around the railroad tracks.
